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Fowler urged to fire Fever to title

3 minute read

The battle between Fever goalshooter Jhaniele Fowler and Vixens goalkeeper Emily Mannix will play a key role in deciding Sunday's Super Netball grand final.

West Coast Fever.
West Coast Fever. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Her daughter already thinks she is a legend, but West Coast Fever goalshooter Jhaniele Fowler will not be completely satisfied unless she finishes 2020 with a Super Netball title.

Fowler is rated by many as the best goalshooter in world netball, and the Jamaican superstar has scored a stunning 910 goals this season to lead the Fever into their second grand final.

West Coast will start as underdogs against minor premiers Melbourne Vixens in Sunday's decider, but in Fowler they possess a proven match-winner.

Fowler's daughter Drehannah is her No.1 fan, and the youngster has urged her mum to "take the trophy home".

"She sent me an amazing message, and she told me I'm her legend," Fowler said.

"I do this for her. Once I think about her, I'm so motivated to do my best and be my best."

Fowler's battle with Vixens goalkeeper Emily Mannix is set to be the centrepiece of Sunday's showdown.

Mannix was injured when the teams last met in round 10, with the Vixens coming from 14 goals down in the third quarter of that game to snatch a 63-63 draw.

When Vixens beat Fever 68-59 in round five, Fowler was 'restricted' to 47 goals by Mannix.

Fowler's season high is 70.

"I'm expecting Emily to come with her A-game. I'll go with my A-game as well and go and smash it," Fowler said.

"I know I'm always coming up against some of the most amazing defenders.

"I know they're going to throw things at me and that I have to hold my end up and just do my best.

"I'm pretty confident I'll go out there and will do as I've been doing for the past season."

Fowler was part of the Fever outfit that lost the 2018 grand final 62-59 to Sunshine Coast Lightning.

"Personally, in my head, you want to make amends for losing by three goals to the Lightning," she said.

"What I learned is to lead from the front and continue to lead when we're up against a very good team, and continue to push on and not make silly errors.

"I've learned just to keep my composure and finish the game off."

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